US Army Imposes Stricter Standards On Grooming Of Hair, Nails, Makeup, And Jewelry
The U.S. Army wants soldiers to return to a more conservative look with newly implemented grooming standards.
The U.S. Army is implementing stricter grooming standards for soldiers through new rules on hairstyles, jewelry, nail length, and makeup.
The new regulations were announced on Sept. 15, directing soldiers to adopt a more “professional” appearance following looser standards introduced four years ago, Army Times reports. Following a review launched in 2023, which revealed that many of the previous rules were unclear and difficult to interpret, updated guidelines were developed.
“What sets the U.S. Army apart is our professionalism, and that’s a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards,” Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer said in a statement. “This definitive guidance gives leaders the tools they need to do just that. You don’t have to memorize it, but you should know what right looks like.”
The updates, set to take effect Oct. 15, aim to enforce a more conservative appearance for all soldiers, according to Weimer. This comes after the standards implemented in 2021 allowed men to wear clear nail polish, women to wear lipstick, and all soldiers to choose from a range of hairstyles for greater individual expression.
However, under the new rules, men can no longer wear clear nail polish, and lipstick is prohibited; only natural hair colors are allowed. Women will still be able to wear clear nail polish, with restrictions on “extreme” colors.
A variety of restrictions were placed on hair, including prohibiting women from wearing ponytails when in dress uniform, while they remain allowed for Army combat uniforms and physical fitness uniforms. There are also stricter taper and fade requirements for men’s hairstyles. Braids, twists, and locs are prohibited for men, as are designs in their hair, among others.
Makeup may only be applied to create an even skin tone and must match a soldier’s natural complexion, with a “conservative” approach. It cannot be used to cover tattoos, and lipstick is banned, with only skin-toned lip gloss being permitted.
Eyelash extensions are also banned, unless medically authorized for soldiers who have lost their natural lashes. When it comes to new standards on jewelry, women may wear only gold, silver, diamond, or pearl studs, one per earlobe, no larger than six millimeters. Men, on the other hand, are not permitted to wear any jewelry.
The previous standards, introduced four years ago to promote diversity and inclusion, were developed by a 17-member panel, the army announced at the time. Recommendations came from troops and were voted on by panel members, which included 10 Black women, four white women, one Hispanic woman, one Hispanic man, and one Black man.
However, when announcing the newly implemented standards, the Army said, “There was an overwhelming consensus on the need to realign all Army standards with warfighting priorities.”
Baltimore Boasts Its Hometown Pride With A Weekend Of Sports And Culture
Baltimore’s sports scene and vibrant culture remain unmatched, no matter what the critics say.
Fresh off Labor Day weekend, Baltimore buzzed with hometown pride as a string of sports events brought the city together to celebrate its one-of-a-kind culture. From the rise of Baltimore Peninsula led by Under Armour, to dirt bike culture taking center stage, and the Ying Yang Twins rocking a Ravens watch party, a weekend of sports and good food in Charm City showed the magic that happens when culture and community collide.
The three-day, sports-filled weekend began Sept. 5 with the Orioles’ showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading into HBCU Night at Oriole Park the following day. The excitement continued with the Maryland Cycling Classic on Sept. 6, a world-class event that drew global attention. On Sept. 7, Gov. Wes Moore joined fans at the Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever matchup, before football enthusiasts packed M&T Bank Stadium for a Ravens watch party that ended in a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills.
These moments gave a firsthand look at how deeply sports fuel Baltimore’s vibrant culture.
A stay at Roost Baltimore, the city’s first high-design extended-stay hotel, offered the perfect backdrop to experience Charm City’s deep love of sports and rich history. Located in the growing Baltimore Peninsula, the development is driving equitable economic growth in South Baltimore. Spanning 235 acres, the area is home to more than 500 families and provides jobs for over 2,000 people through employers such as Under Armour, CFG Bank, Bar Vegan, and the Baltimore Ravens.
As a Baltimore native, Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole Hayes embraced the opportunity to invest in her hometown by opening a Bar Vegan in Rye Street Market. She joins other newcomers, such as Urbano Mexican Fare and Live-K Karaoke Bar, adding to the area’s diverse food scene and highlighting its potential for continued growth.
“Baltimore Peninsula is more than just a neighborhood, it’s a place where diversity is celebrated, opportunities abound, and everyone is welcome,” Claudia Jolin, executive director of the Baltimore Peninsula Partnership, said in the 2025 impact report.
Dinner at Rye Street Tavern came with the company of two Baltimore icons whose creative work in the arts continues to amplify Black culture. D. Watkins, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and Gordon Parks Fellow, has transformed his gift for words into a thriving career. From writing episodes of HBO’s The Wire and We Own This City to co-authoring Carmelo Anthony’s bestselling memoir, Watkins continues to leave his mark while staying true to his East Baltimore roots. His latest work will see him reimagine Anthony’s memoir into the House of Melo exhibit coming to Baltimore’s Central Library on Oct. 25.
Devin Allen rose to national prominence when his photo of the Black Lives Matter protests after Freddie Gray’s death landed on the cover of TIME magazine. The moment not only marked a turning point in his journey as a photographer and storyteller but also inspired grassroots efforts to invest back into his community, including a $25,000 donation from Russell Simmons in Gray’s honor.
With Baltimore always at the heart of his work, Allen went on to collaborate with Under Armour on visual campaigns that highlight the city’s Black excellence. From securing donated cameras for local schools to directing campaigns featuring talent from Baltimore’s dance scene, Allen is dedicated to giving back to the city that shaped him. His latest project, BALTIMORE, captures a decade of the city’s Black community and their fight for racial justice through his lens as a native.
Water taxis from the Peninsula harbor offered a scenic ride to the historic charm of Fells Point. Chris Riehl of Rent-A-Tour indulged my inner social studies nerd with a captivating journey through Baltimore’s history, taking me from the very spot where Francis Scott Key penned the national anthem to an up-close look at the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its 2024 collapse. Riehl also touched on Baltimore’s deep ties to Black history, including being where the first lunch counter sit-in in 1955 took place, helping to spark the broader Civil Rights Movement, which Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native, served as a central figure.
A visit to Fells Point means stepping into one of Baltimore’s oldest waterfront neighborhoods, dating back to the 1700s, when it was a thriving hub for shipbuilding and trade. Its cobblestone streets, centuries-old rowhouses, and historic pubs preserve the charm of a colonial port town, while trendy shops, seafood restaurants, and lively music venues bring a modern energy. Whether savoring fresh seafood, browsing unique boutiques, or visiting the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, there’s plenty to enjoy in this iconic district.
Over lunch at Prima Dopa Cucina, Baltimore native DJ Mighty Mark reflected on his rise from SoundCloud—where listeners first embraced his unique blend of Baltimore Club Music and mainstream hits—to becoming a platinum-certified producer and DJ, now serving as the official house DJ for the Orioles at Oriole Park. His electrifying sound fuels the game-day energy, helping set the tone for the team’s Sept. 5 victory over the Dodgers.
The next day, the Maryland Cycling Classic brought elite cyclists from around the world to Baltimore, racing on challenging courses that highlighted the city’s historic landmarks. Beyond showcasing world-class competition, the event promotes healthy living while supporting community and charitable initiatives.
Olympic cyclist Nelson Beasley Vails served as the event’s ambassador, expressing his pride and optimism that the Classic will help create more opportunities for safer cycling across Baltimore. A New York native, Beasley made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics as the first African American and the first person of African descent to win an Olympic medal in cycling.
Now, he hopes the Classic will “build the motivation for the community to get out more often and try to exercise,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I am working with an organization called People for Bikes, and we are trying to make the infrastructure a lot easier because Baltimore has a lot of work to be done to make it a little safer for cyclists and for the kids to be able to ride their bikes for school as well.”
One standout cause was B360, a Baltimore-based organization that uses dirt bike culture to break cycles of poverty, disrupt the prison pipeline, and build stronger communities. Youth from B360 energized the race by performing stunts on dirt bikes and four-wheelers, handing out merchandise, and giving spectators a powerful glimpse of how Baltimore uplifts its young riders.
The Ravens watch party on Sept. 7 was the perfect finale to a weekend celebrating Baltimore’s sports and culture. At M&T Bank Stadium, the Ying Yang Twins brought the crowd to life with a high-energy set of their classic hits. At the same time, fans also enjoyed an exclusive preview of the new luxury suite for season pass holders, featuring artwork honoring Edgar Allan Poe and jerseys from the Ravens’ two Super Bowl wins.
All weekend long, the energy was electric, the food never missed, and as a solo traveler, I felt safe, even as the president threatens to deploy the National Guard in Charm City. What I witnessed was Baltimore at its core: passionate, resilient, diverse, and full of heart.
Detavio Samuels Debunks Dame Dash’s Claim That He Is ‘Chairman Of Revolt’
Samuels shared an internal email giving Revolt employees clarity on its current leadership.
Detavio Samuels has set the record straight on Dame Dash’s claims that he is the new chairman of Revolt.
Dash made headlines after asserting that he has taken over the media company as interim chairman. While appearing on The Breakfast Club, the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder revealed unconfirmed news that his platform, AmericaNu, had entered into a partnership with the media company.
Despite claiming he’s on the “pathway to acquisition” with Revolt, the media company’s leadership shut down the rumored buyout. The Shade Room released a screenshot of an internal email sent by Revolt’s current CEO, Detavio Samuels.
While sharing more insight into the reality of the situation, Samuels gave Dash his due props as a legendary figure in the game.
“Dame Dash is a Hip Hop Pioneer with a proven track record as a creator. Yes, we’ve been in conversations about potential partnerships–things like licensing his shows and films for REVOLT. But there is no signed deal. He is not the chairman of our company,” he said directly to employees.
Samuels further clarified that no acquisition is underway, leaving more questions about Dash’s claims to the contrary. He also denied a statement he allegedly made, as shared on Vibe. The quote detailed how he believed it “made sense to do business” with Dash, which Samuels claims he never said.
He continued, “There is no acquisition path on the table. The quote from me in VIBE is completely fabricated. I never said any of that.”
However, Dash continues to stand ten toes on his new gig. According to an updated note on the VIBE article, Dash still upholds his truth that he is the chairman.
“Dash, however, remains adamant that his interim position with REVOLT TV is legitimate,” stated the publication.
In light of the confusion, Dash exposed text messages with Samuels in an effort to prove his case. While revealing that discussions were in place to become Revolt’s owner, the evidence still left fans uncertain about whether the transition had been completed.
Elevating Your Excellence: Robert F. Smith: A Philanthropist’s Journey From Denver To Global Impact
Smith’s vision, rooted in a belief of shared responsibility, continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to use their success to create a more just and equitable world.
Robert F. Smith, an ambitious titan in the business world and a revered philanthropist, has dedicated his life to creating opportunities and fostering a more equitable society.
A pursuit of excellence and commitment to service mark his journey.
The Colorado native has left an unforgettable mark on both the technology industry and the landscape of American philanthropy.
Smith is not merely a figure of success; he is a force of nature, a visionary whose career embodies an unprecedented fusion of business acumen and profound social purpose. His work transcends traditional boundaries, demonstrating that financial triumph and transformative philanthropy are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, be powerful catalysts for one another.
Like many trailblazers, he has used his platforms at Vista Equity Partners and through his personal giving to redefine what it means to be a corporate leader in the 21st century. His commitment to creating inclusive economies and his bold, public acts of generosity, such as paying off the student debt of an entire graduating class, have not only captured headlines but have also set a new standard for others to follow.
He is a testament to the idea that actual influence is measured not by wealth accumulated, but by the lives uplifted and the opportunities created for those who need them most. His legacy is one of unwavering hope, proving that with strategic action and a clear moral compass, it is possible to build a more just world.
Born into a middle-class Denver neighborhood, Smith’s philanthropic values were instilled in him from an early age. He recalls watching his mother, a woman of modest means, send a $25 check to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) each month. This consistent act of giving, regardless of her family’s financial situation, taught him that everyone could play a part in making the world a better place.
Smith’s formative years were highlighted by his attendance as an infant at the 1963 March on Washington, a foundational moment in civil rights history that he would later reflect on in his 2023 address at the same hallowed location.
In August, Smith provided insights for “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” which combines Dr. King’s most powerful speeches with his own reflections on the enduring values of leadership, justice, and community. He proudly shared the launch of the project on Instagram.
“Today, I am honored to share the launch of my first book, ‘Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ Lead Boldly’ is a new book that features some of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches, paired with my own insights, context, and reflections on their relevance for today’s leaders. Themes like ‘The Beloved Community,’ ‘Economic Justice,’ ‘Two Americas,’ and ‘Allies’ have shaped my journey, and are essential for leaders to understand and apply today.”
He continued, “It has been nearly six decades since Dr. King was assassinated, but his words are just as important today. I’m honored to have worked on and contributed to this project along with my friend Bernice A. King, and I hope you’ll use “Lead Boldly” as a guide in your own leadership journeys. Thank you so much…”
Smith’s early passion for technology and engineering led him to pursue an internship at Bell Labs persistently while still in high school. Initially denied because the positions were reserved for college students, he called the company every week for five months until he secured the coveted role. This tenacity became a hallmark of his career.
After graduating with a degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University, he worked as an engineer for prominent companies, earning four patents for his work at Kraft General Foods. He later earned his MBA with honors from Columbia Business School.
In 1994, he joined Goldman Sachs to strengthen its investment banking in the technology sector. As the first person in the firm’s San Francisco office to focus on enterprise systems and storage, he played a crucial role in advising major tech companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Apple, on mergers and acquisitions.
In 2000, he founded Vista, a global technology investor with more than $100 billion in assets under management. The firm’s exclusive focus on enterprise software has established it as a market leader, with Smith continuing to serve as its Chairman and CEO.
Philanthropy as a Moral Compass His philanthropy parallels Smith’s business success. In 2017, he became the first African American to sign the Giving Pledge, vowing to donate the majority of his wealth during his lifetime. His philanthropy has supported a wide range of causes, including educational institutions, the arts, and scientific research. His $20 million donation to the National Museum of African American History and Culture was, at the time, the largest gift from an individual in the museum’s history.
Opened in 2021, the Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy, in his hometown of Denver, stands as a direct reflection of his own journey, with a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics designed to equip the next generation of innovators.
The multihyphenate will be celebrated as a 2025 Black Enterprise XCEL Summit for Men Honoree, a prestigious recognition of his influence in business and his commitment to community leadership. His consistent efforts to uplift others are an example of how someone’s vision can inspire a city and impact the lives of countless future leaders.
In a landmark moment in 2019, Smith announced he would eliminate the student loan debt of the entire Morehouse College graduating class. He later expanded the gesture to include the loans of their guardians. This act of generosity inspired the creation of the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit he helped establish to provide a sustainable solution to student debt for STEM students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), other minority serving institutions (MSIs), and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).
Initially funded with a $50 million donation from Fund II Foundation, SFI received an additional $50 million personal donation from Smith. His commitment to economic equity is further demonstrated through the Southern Communities Initiative (SCI), a catalytic program co-led by Smith to accelerate wealth creation in six southern communities. He also serves as the founding director and president of Fund II Foundation, which focuses on providing pathways to opportunity for underserved communities.
Smith’s extraordinary contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and Harvard’s highest honor in African and Black American studies, the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, both of which were awarded in 2019.
The innovator was also named one of Fortune’s “21 Private Equity Executives Who Are Shaping the Industry” in 2023.
Smith’s vision, rooted in a belief of shared responsibility, continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to use their success to create a more just and equitable world.
New York is preparing to send a one-time inflation refund check to more than 8 million residents. The boon comes as part of the 2025-2026 state budget, which offers relief amid rising sales taxes and an increased cost of living. At the end of September, eligible residents will begin receiving checks, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Individuals must have filed the 2023 Form IT-201 as New York State tax residents to be eligible. Additionally, the reported income must fall within a designated threshold and the resident must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
The refunds are calculated based on 2023 income:
Single
$75,000 or less
$200
more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000
$150
Married filing joint
$150,000 or less
$400
more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000
$300
Married filing separate
$75,000 or less
$200
more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000
$150
Head of household
$75,000 or less
$200
more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000
$150
Qualifying surviving spouse
$150,000 or less
$400
more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000
$300
No application is required in order to receive funds. According to the state agency, checks will be mailed automatically to the address used in the most recently filed return. The funds will be staggered and arrive over the course of multiple weeks. Residents who no longer live in the state must update their tax records to ensure delivery.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the payments are a direct response to inflation’s financial burden on families. Sales tax revenues increased heavily in recent years. The steep inflationary periods have caused significant stress on the state’s residents. Fortunately, the state’s budget surplus made the refunds possible under a plan approved this year. Though amounts vary by filing status and income, the payments aim to put needed relief into New Yorkers’ pockets before winter.
New York is not the only state allocating surplus funds to its residents. In 2025, Georgians received refunds. The proposal was introduced to the Georgia legislature, House Bill 112, in 2024. Governor Brian Kemp approved the allotment.
“Because we’ve managed our state’s resources wisely, we’re again able to return money to hardworking Georgians who know how best to use it,” said Kemp. “Along with our acceleration of the largest income tax rate cut in state history, this latest refund is just one more way we’re working to support the people of our state, their families, and their businesses, because that’s not the government’s money, it’s theirs!”
New Media Guide Will Provide Recommendations For Media Coverage Of Missing Persons
The tool for journalists aims to fix a long-standing blind spot in how missing persons cases are reported.
The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI) and the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) have released The Media Guide for Reporting on Missing Persons Cases.
The guide aims to fix a long-standing blind spot in how missing persons cases are reported. It offers specific recommendations to ensure that more wide-reaching and consistent coverage for marginalized women is presented to the media.
It emerged from a year-long collaboration of journalists and other media persons across the country. Task-force members discovered that many news outlets lack formal policies for covering missing persons. Consequently, the lack of guidance contributes to gaps in coverage.
The guide also proposes changes in newsrooms’ practices. These include avoiding unhelpful stereotypes and choosing photos carefully. These practices are suggested to help ensure that reports about missing people are treated equitably. It encourages outlets to adopt formal guidelines, create accountability measures, and engage with affected communities to improve trust and visibility.
“After polling many newsrooms across the country, we discovered that none had formal policies or procedures for reporting on missing persons cases,” Natalie Wilson, co-founder of BAMFI, said in a press release. “That’s why this guide is so critical—to ensure that media coverage of missing persons is fair and consistent and ensures that missing persons cases receive the attention they deserve.”
While there are tools to help find missing persons, they are not always enough. PBS reported on the families of missing people and the steps they’ve taken to find their loved ones.
Paula Hill began searching for her 16-year-old daughter, Shamika Cosey, over 15 years ago. With little to no leads or public awareness, she looked to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Hill said she had to personally add her daughter’s information into the database. Though the federal government keeps track of statistics for missing persons, it appears the agency does not keep track of the individuals. The information is fragmented.
Maurene Comey, a lead prosecutor in Combs’ high-profile case and the daughter of former FBI director James B. Comey, filed a lawsuit on Sept. 15 accusing Trump’s Department of Justice of illegally firing her, Billboard reports.
According to the suit, her termination was politically motivated retaliation against her father, who has long criticized Trump since his 2017 dismissal.
“The politically motivated termination of Ms. Comey…upends bedrock principles of our democracy and justice system,” Comey’s lawyers wrote. “Assistant United States Attorneys like Ms. Comey must do their jobs without fearing or favoring any political party or perspective.”
Comey, who has worked at the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2015, gained recognition as a lead prosecutor in the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell. She brought that experience with her to Combs’ criminal case on similar charges. Weeks after Combs was found guilty on lesser prostitution charges, Comey was abruptly fired by the Department of Justice, with “no legitimate explanation,” her lawyers wrote.
“Rather, Defendants fired Ms. Comey solely or substantially because her father is former FBI Director James B. Comey, or because of her perceived political affiliation and beliefs, or both.”
The lawsuit names the Department of Justice, the Executive Office of the President, and their leaders as defendants, along with the Office of Personnel Management and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. Comey is among dozens of DOJ employees taking legal action after being terminated during Trump’s second term. According to the suit, her husband, Lucas Issacharoff, “voluntarily resigned” from the DOJ in May.
In a leaked memo at the time of her firing, Comey claimed she was dismissed without cause.
“If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain. Do not let that happen,” she wrote. “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns in the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power. Of commitment to seek justice for victims.”
Atlanta Restaurant Fights To Stay Open Despite Construction Zone Blocking Customer View
The restaurant's owner says that she has lost nearly $200,000 in expected revenue.
A local Atlanta restaurant is fighting to stay open as an ongoing construction zone limits customers from even seeing the eatery.
Vanetta Roy, the owner of East Point’s Eat My Biscuits, said the restaurant has seen a significant drop in revenue since a construction zone popped up right in front of the establishment in February.
Roy told 11Alive that she has lost $200,000 in that time, thanks to the construction blocking the restaurant from sight of new and returning customers. She said no one knows if the breakfast spot is still open, or even exists. The construction zone has even blocked visibility for parking options, creating major hindrances for the business.
The construction zone was supposed to end in April.
“The food, the customer service, all of that is there. It’s the deterrence the city has created,” said Roy.
When customers do drop in, Roy said the food speaks for itself, but the reduction in customers has led to Roy bleeding her bank account into the negative to stay open.
She has resorted to a public call for support. Roy also complained to city officials, who have reportedly only given out signs to promote her business.
Community members have also urged the City of East Point to compensate the restaurateur for the loss in income prompted by the development. They also demanded that officials give a fixed deadline for the completion of the construction site.
Roy expressed her gratitude to Instagram as customers keep the Black-owned eatery going.
“The love, encouragement, gratitude, and support from each and every one of you has truly been humbling,” captioned Roy. “I must say I was truly blown away by the amount of support from other black women!! My SISTERS SHOWED UP & SHOWED OUT FOR ME!!”
Eat My Biscuits, which has been featured on Food Network is a local favorite known for its “really big” buns. Its acclaimed meals have solidified it as part of the Metro Atlanta food scene.
Jasmine Crockett Likens Trumps’ Use Of ICE To ‘Slave Patrols’
Rep. Jasmine Crockett compared Trump’s ICE forces to "slave patrols," saying Americans would recognize the parallel if Black history weren’t under attack.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) criticized Trump’s ICE raids on Democratic-run cities, calling them a “slave patrol” tactic that does nothing to make anyone safer.
Crockett sat down with MSNBC’s Ali Velshi on Sept. 14, where she compared Trump’s deployment of militarized police in Democratic-run cities to the “slave patrols” of the antebellum South, when white men hunted and captured escaped slaves.
“But as somebody who understands history, when I see slave patrols, now I never lived through the slave patrol period, but if you know the history of policing in this country, Then you understand that they were born out of slave patrols and now with the Supreme Court saying this, it’s almost like you can just go grab them up,” Crockett said, as captured by Fox News.
Amid conservative attention on the murder of 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton, who was sexually assaulted and strangled by an undocumented immigrant, Crockett argued that White supremacists commit murders at up to five times the rate of undocumented immigrants.
“None of us want to be unsafe. Yeah, but we’re not looking at the facts,” Crockett said. “We’re not look at the fact that immigrants, regardless of how many times you’re going to cherry-pick and say well, there was this one immigrant that was here illegally, and they ended up killing this one person. Well, for every immigrant that you have an example of, I’ll raise you at least two to five White supremacists, if not more, right?”
Crockett also weighed in on the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing the Trump administration to lift restrictions on immigration raids in Los Angeles, which permits federal agents to use broad criteria, like speaking Spanish, to question individuals. She argued that all Americans should be concerned about the ruling, noting that a proper education in Black history would show how the country is repeating past injustices.
“It’s almost like you can just go grab them up — that is what they’re saying. And that is a problem,” Crockett said. “We all should have a problem with that. But when you don’t want to teach American history, that includes Black history, then you lose out on the benefit of understanding that we have been down this road before, and it was not good, and we fixed it once, and it is a shame that we are relitigating this and we are going to have to fix it again.”
New Europe Ban On Some Gel Polish Sparks U.S. Concern Over Reported ‘Reproductive Toxicity’
The ban is against a common ingredient found in a lot of gel polishes.
A ban on gel polish over an ingredient’s reported “reproductive toxicity” that may harm human users has begun.
The ban only impacts some gel polishes and cosmetic products that include the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO. According to CNN, European regulators classified TPO as a “reproductive toxicant” through a report by the European Commission.
Gel polish has become popular in nail salons across the United States and the world, as its usage eliminates drying time while increasing durability through a UV light. However, UV lighting activates TPO, which animal studies have already concluded leads to “reduced fertility” and other reproductive concerns.
“The EU has banned the use of TPO both at home and professionally due to reproductive toxicity concerns identified in animal studies,” David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told CNN. “The toxicity studies completed on animals showed testicular abnormalities and reduced fertility.”
Although the findings stem from animals’ reactions, the EU banned any gel polishes containing TPO to avoid human concerns. However, experts noted that these results occurred from direct consumption.
“What’s important to keep in mind is that those end points and those studies were from animal-feeding studies,” shared Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist. “When you’re thinking about nail polish, that’s clearly not how we’re exposed to TPO. You’re not eating the nail polish. So, it’s a different route of exposure.”
Despite the new findings, a fresh gel manicure remains possible, just with alternative products. The EU ban only applies to chemical usage, with TPO-free gel polish still allowed. However, these polishes remain unregulated in the United States, with the Food and Drug Administration not requiring approval for these cosmetic products.
Despite this, the FDA is aware of the global crackdown on gel polishes with TPO.
“FDA can and does take action against cosmetics on the market that do not comply with the law,” explained Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “It’s against the law to use an ingredient that makes a cosmetic harmful when used as intended. Cosmetic manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products.”
Although the European Union has banned items ahead of their determined harm to humans, a national ban in the United States remains unlikely for now. A state-level ban could occur. In fact, California has already instituted bans on chemicals through its expanded Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which passed in 2020.
